Tips for managing your time working from home - in a global pandemic
We are almost a year into the pandemic, and lockdowns, and, for some of us, working from home.
It's not getting easier, for anyone, so here are a few tips.
Are you experiencing:
difficulty concentrating?
too many distractions?
procrastinating and having trouble getting started with bigger tasks?
lack of motivation?
feeling that you aren't doing enough, or aren't good enough?
THAT'S ALL NORMAL
We are in a global pandemic. You didn't choose to work from home, you are working from there because of restrictions. You may have caring responsibilities and home schooling to manage. And you are probably feeling anxious, tired and fed up.
You need to remember that.
You aren't working from home, you are at home, trying to work in a crisis.
IT'S NORMAL TO FEEL THAT WAY
You are not alone, it’s not just you that feels this way.
A few tips to help
Try to create a routine
We like structure and routine. But don't try to replicate your previous work routine. Instead, think about what works best now in your current situation. And then build a little structure into your days, rather than let work blend into any available time. Set a start and finish time, if you can. Build in a couple of breaks. You will feel the benefit of it, and get more done.
Work in small bursts
You'll be amazed at what you can achieve if you work in small chunks of time. Use your phone and set a timer. Try the Pomodoro technique, where you work for 25 mins and take a 5 minute break. Repeat a few times (if you can) and then take a longer break.
Work when it suits you best
Are you a morning person? Can you get up early when it's quiet and get a head start on the day? Do you work better later on in the evening Find what works for you best. You may have children, family, colleagues and clients to work around but try and work with your natural rhythm, where you can.
Create a designated work area
We don't all have the luxury of a home office. But creating a designated workspace will help with boundaries and defining work and home life. So, whether it's at the kitchen table or in the bedroom, try to keep your work in one area and have a designated place where you only go to for work (even if it is just a different chair at the dining table!).
Be assertive
Be brave and have a challenging conversation where you need to. Explain your situation and needs, listen to the other person and their needs, then agree a way forward. Negotiate and compromise. Say no where you have to. Ask for help if you need to. Focus on the important stuff and let the rest go.
Look after yourself
You need to eat well and get decent sleep to be productive. Getting out and taking a bit of exercise in the fresh air will wonders. Building in time for a chat, a treat, a laugh, will boost your productivity, and your mental health. Put on some music you like, listen to a podcast, watch a funny TV show. Schedule things to look forward to and build in rest at the weekend.
This is a marathon, not a sprint, so treat it that way.